Katie Reviews~ Duck, Death and the Tulip

This book despite its dark concept of death is beautiful and tender.  Created by the award-winning writer and artist Wolf Erlbruch this book has been published by Gecko Press and translated by Catherine Chidgey into English from German.

This elegantly illustrated book introduces the concept of death and grief through the developing friendship of the characters Duck and Death.  Duck for a while has realised, they are being followed and they are being followed by Death. The illustrations wonderfully show the fear Duck has of Death; she looks frozen in fear. Death takes on a human like role dressed in a checked robe and a skull for a head. Duck asks the question "You've come to fetch me?" to which Death replies, "I've been close all your life - just in case" It goes on to explain that Death doesn't need to make something happen as life takes care of that for example coughs, cold or foxes. This explanation introduces the concept without it being terrifying or immediately shocking but as Duck and Death develop their friendship Duck starts accepting the concept of dying. 

As this acceptance happens the story develops and slowly ends with Death noticing Duck has stopped breathing and comments on her laying still. There's a gorgeously tender moment where Death strokes a few rumpled feathers back into place and then carries Duck to the great river where he nudges her on her way and watches her float away until she is lost to sight. commenting he felt almost a little moved but that's life. This shows a more caring and compassionate side to dying and that it can be more peaceful than scary.

This picture book is a wonderful way of presenting the concept of death to a child aimed at around 5-7 years old without it being something to fear but also presenting death as part of life.

To purchase a copy please click here.